Shakers

Definition

The Shakers were a Christian religious group that originated in 18th century England and later spread to North America. They were known for their unique religious practices, communal living, and innovative craftsmanship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Shakers believed in the second coming of Christ and aimed to create a utopian society in preparation for this event.
2. Shaker communities were known for their high-quality, simple, and functional craftsmanship, including furniture, textiles, and architectural design.
3. Shakers practiced celibacy and the separation of sexes, believing that sexual relations were a distraction from spiritual pursuits.
4. Shaker communities were organized around the principles of equality, pacifism, and the belief in the divinity of both men and women.
5. The Shakers were known for their distinctive style of worship, which included energetic dancing, singing, and the use of musical instruments.

Review Questions

• Explain the Shakers' beliefs and practices related to millennialism and celibacy.
  • The Shakers were a millennialist group who believed in the imminent second coming of Christ and the establishment of a thousand-year reign of peace and justice on Earth. As part of this belief, they practiced celibacy, abstaining from sexual activity, as they saw it as a distraction from their spiritual pursuits and preparation for the second coming. The Shakers' celibacy and millennialist beliefs were central to their religious identity and the structure of their communal living.
• Describe the Shakers' approach to gender equality and their impact on communal living.
  • The Shakers were known for their progressive views on gender equality, believing in the divinity of both men and women. This was reflected in their communal living, where men and women were separated but had equal roles and responsibilities within the community. The Shakers organized their communities around principles of shared decision-making and the equitable distribution of resources, creating a model of communal living that was innovative for the time and influenced later intentional communities.
• Analyze the Shakers' distinctive style of worship and its relationship to their religious and social practices.
  • The Shakers' style of worship, which included energetic dancing, singing, and the use of musical instruments, was closely tied to their religious beliefs and social practices. The physical expression and collective nature of their worship reflected their millennialist views and the importance of community in Shaker life. Additionally, the Shakers' craftsmanship and functional design aesthetic extended to their musical instruments and the architecture of their worship spaces, creating a holistic integration of their religious, social, and material practices.

Related terms

Millennialism: The belief in the imminent second coming of Christ and the establishment of a thousand-year reign of peace and justice on Earth.

Celibacy:

The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, often for religious or spiritual reasons.

Communal Living: A lifestyle where people live together in a community, sharing resources, responsibilities, and decision-making.